For years, DPVs (Diver Propulsion Vehicles) were associated with tech divers pushing caves, long-range wrecks, and deep missions. Those days are officially gone.
Modern scooters are lightweight, compact, intuitive, and built for pure underwater fun. Recreational divers are discovering that a DPV is one of the easiest ways to add range, reduce effort, and bring a whole new energy to their dives.
Here’s why scooters deserve a spot in your recreational kit — and a look at three example models divers often consider.
Cover More Ground With Less Work
Scooters let you glide effortlessly through the water, cutting down the kicking, saving energy, and lowering your air consumption. Whether you want to tour a whole quarry, hit multiple features, or explore more of your favorite shoreline, a DPV makes it easy.
Less effort = more enjoyment.
Improved Gas Efficiency for Longer, More Relaxed Dives
Taking the leg work out of the dive slows your breathing and reduces your overall gas usage. That translates to:
- Longer bottom times
- Better buoyancy control
- Less post-dive fatigue
A scooter gives recreational divers more time to actually enjoy the dive.
Modern Scooters Are Compact, Lightweight & User-Friendly
The latest designs prioritize simplicity, durability, and intuitive handling — ideal for recreational diving. To give divers a baseline understanding, here are three example models from SUEX’s rec lineup:
SUEX Recreational DPVs
🟦 SUEX Nemo
Compact and easy to handle — the perfect introduction to scootering.
Highlights:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Beginner-friendly controls
- Stable in trim
- Ideal for short to mid-range recreational dives
A great choice for divers who want their first taste of underwater “flight.”
🟩 SUEX Quantum
A step up in power and burn time, ideal for divers who want real range.
Highlights:
- Longer run times
- Smooth, predictable performance
- Excellent for larger quarries, shore dives, and exploring distance
Quantum offers capability without the complexity of tech-level scooters.
🟧 SUEX Voyager (Travel-Friendly Model)
Built for the diver who travels — and wants a scooter that can handle the trip.
Highlights:
- Air-travel-friendly battery configuration
- Rugged hard case built to survive aggressive baggage handlers
- Compact footprint
- Solid recreational thrust and range
For divers who chase experiences around the world, Voyager keeps up effortlessly.
Scooters Make Diving Fun Again
The feeling is hard to describe until you try it — smooth, easy, controlled underwater flight.
DPVs turn a familiar dive site into something brand new. They bring back that sense of adventure you had during your very first certification dives.
Safe, Smart, and Accessible for Today’s Recreational Diver
Today’s scooters feature improved buoyancy characteristics, better battery tech, intuitive controls, and predictable thrust curves. Paired with proper instruction, DPVs are safer and more accessible than ever for recreational use.
Want to Try a DPV for Yourself?
Tri-City Scuba hosts hands-on demo opportunities where you can:
- Handle different scooters
- Try guided runs
- Ask questions
- Learn foundational skills
- See which design fits your diving style
There’s nothing quite like that first glide.
Final Thought
DPVs aren’t just for tech divers anymore.
With modern designs like Nemo, Quantum, and Voyager showing how compact and travel-ready scooters have become, recreational divers now have an incredible tool to elevate their underwater experience.
Check the Tri-City Scuba events page for the next DPV Demo Day — and come feel the glide for yourself.